MLB Predictions: Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

The Boston Red Sox (57-37) and Oakland Athletics (54-38) will open up a three-game American League series Friday night at the O.co Coliseum, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET

Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

The Boston Red Sox haven’t enjoyed much success on the road against the Oakland Athletics in recent years

Boston is 4-3 on its current 10-game road trip, as it comes off an 8-7 victory over the Seattle Mariners as -130 favorites Thursday, while going OVER the betting total for a fourth consecutive contest. The Red Sox are 4-16 in their last 20 road games against the Athletics, but they own a 26-21 overall record away from Fenway Park during the 2013 campaign. Boston is 38-26 when facing right-handed starters this season.

Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (6-6, 2.80 ERA) will look to bounce back from a 3-0 road loss to the Los Angeles Angels last time out, as he allowed two runs and five hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 2-5 with a 3.96 ERA in nine road efforts, surrendering nine home runs in 52.1 combined innings. In 33 career games versus the Athletics, Lackey has produced an 18-6 record and 2.91 ERA.

Oakland returns home after a 4-2 road trip, which ended with a 5-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates as +129 underdogs, while going UNDER the total in the last three contests. The Athletics own a one-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West division, which has been made possible by winning 18 of their last 22 games at home. Oakland is 8-1 when playing with a day off, with the OVER going 6-3 in that situation.

Athletics starting pitcher Jarrod Parker (6-6, 4.04 ERA) didn’t earn a decision in a 4-3 road loss to the Kansas City Royals last time out, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits over 6.1 frames. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA in nine home appearances, with opposing batters hitting .240 against him. In two career games versus the Red Sox, Parker has tallied a perfect 2-0 record and 1.35 ERA.

Sports bettors will likely back the Athletics due to their 5-1 record in Parker’s last six home starts.